Vali Höll and Jackson Goldstone conquer the 2025 Downhill World Championship in Champéry

The legendary Swiss track of Champéry witnessed an epic downhill day where the elite titles of the 2025 DH World Championship were decided. In almost perfect conditions, Canadian Jackson Goldstone claimed the rainbow jersey in his elite debut while Austrian Valentina Holl secured her fourth title when she had not achieved any victories this year.

Vali Höll makes history with her fourth consecutive title

Austrian Valentina "Vali" Höll finally achieved her first victory of the season and couldn't have chosen a better moment. With an impeccable run, she was crowned world champion for the fourth consecutive time, solidifying her dominance in the elite category. Höll, who had been consistent throughout the year without a win, broke her drought to claim her fourth rainbow jersey.

Just 0.667 seconds behind, Frenchwoman Myriam Nicole staged a spectacular comeback after a poor qualification, securing second place and proving she is still one of the best in the world. Her compatriot Marine Cabirou, returning from a serious injury, completed the podium with an exciting third place.

Top 5 Women's Elite DH World Championship 2025

1. Vali Höll (AUT) - 3:27.506
2. Myriam Nicole (FRA) - +0.667
3. Marine Cabirou (FRA) - +1.091
4. Gracey Hemstreet (CAN) - +2.589
5. Lisa Baumann (SUI) - +2.888

Jackson Goldstone, world champion in his elite debut

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In his first elite World Championship, Canadian Jackson Goldstone made history with a memorable run. The young talent from Santa Cruz Syndicate, who couldn't compete in 2023 or 2024, completed a perfect weekend after being the fastest in qualifying and repeating in the final with a time of 2:54.153.

"I'm speechless. That run was for Stevie Smith, no doubt," said an emotional Goldstone at the finish line, referring to his compatriot who passed away in 2017 and was a downhill legend. "When I crossed the final grass section, I was pushing it to the limit... and it worked!"

German Henri Kiefer, who had set the best provisional time and sat in the hot seat for almost an hour and a half, settled for silver 1.946 seconds behind. Irishman Ronan Dunne rounded out the podium with his best World Championship performance to date.

Among the favorites, 2024 world champion Loris Vergier finished 5th, while five-time world champion Loïc Bruni suffered a crash and ended up 49th over 18 seconds behind. 

Top 5 Men's Elite DH World Championship 2025

1. Jackson Goldstone (CAN) - 2:54.153
2. Henri Kiefer (GER) - +1.946
3. Ronan Dunne (IRL) - +1.993
4. Jordan Williams (GBR) - +4.140
5. Loris Vergier (FRA) - +4.777

With two spectacular races, Champéry once again proved why it is one of the temples of downhill, with two new champions - a queen reaffirming her crown and a young rider beginning his reign.